diff --git a/src/api/server_proxy.py b/src/api/server_proxy.py
index 295e0ed..bfa9a55 100644
--- a/src/api/server_proxy.py
+++ b/src/api/server_proxy.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import os
 import socket
 import threading
 import time
+from datetime import datetime
 
 import requests
 from requests_toolbelt.multipart import MultipartEncoder, MultipartEncoderMonitor
@@ -33,6 +34,9 @@ class RenderServerProxy:
         self.__background_thread = None
         self.__offline_flags = 0
         self.update_cadence = 5
+        self.last_contact = datetime.now()
+        # to prevent errors, the last contact datetime is set to when the class is initialized - you must keep an
+        # instance of this class alive to accurately know the delay
 
     def connect(self):
         status = self.request_data('status')
@@ -55,6 +59,7 @@ class RenderServerProxy:
             req = self.request(payload, timeout)
             if req.ok and req.status_code == 200:
                 self.__offline_flags = 0
+                self.last_contact = datetime.now()
                 return req.json()
         except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
             logger.debug(f"JSON decode error: {e}")